Due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion,
residual stresses from welding are typically
below the yield points. Nevertheless, residual
stresses greater than 240 MPa (35 ksi) are possible.
Minimum ASTM International yield
requirements, however, for Zr702, Zr704, and
Zr705 at room temperature are 210, 240, and 380
MPa (30, 35, and 55 ksi), respectively. This
implies that only Zr705 is likely to retain
high enough stresses from welding to become
susceptible to DHC. Practically, this has been the
case.
Stress-relieving treatment is one of the most
effective measures in preventing DHC, a timedependent
process. It takes considerable time
for hydrogen to reach the highly stressed area
and to precipitate out as hydride platelets. The
platelets must grow large enough for cracking to
occur Depending on many factors, it sometimes
takes two years for DHC to happen, but five
week after welding is the shortest known period
for Zr705 to suffer DHC at room temperature.
This provides a base for the Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code of the ASME (Ref 26):